The Challenges of Being a Female Hollywood Producer

Wendy Finerman is a movie producer with films like Forrest Gump and The Devil Wears Prada to her name. But pursuing her career has often meant being the only woman in a crew of men. In recent years, Finerman has prioritized movies that are directed by women and have prominent female characters. In this short film, she discusses the lessons she’s learned in Hollywood and how she balances the many aspects of her life. “Just at the moment where I'm coasting and I have to go on location or I have to go meet with an important person, that's always the moment when your kid gets sent home sick,” she says. “I don't think you can have it all.”

This is the third episode of The Atlantic’s video series “Women and Leadership,” which explores insights and advice from five women in politics, entertainment, and tech. It was directed by Kristina Sorge.